SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

GrowingOur Economy

The Saskatchewan Legislative building as seen from the shore of Wascana Lake in Regina, Saskatchewan.
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I am seeing evidence that a conversation very important to our industry is being taken seriously by others who matter in this province.  

Last May, I explained in my President’s Message the report titled From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth, which was completed by the Canada West Foundation. 

We know it is a report that matters not just to our industry, but to our province, our entire country and its future. Saskatchewan people continue to hear announcements about private businesses increasing their production to meet the world’s needs. As the report explains, we need the world to have confidence that what Canada produces for export will be moved through the country efficiently and reliably so we, as a trading partner, are competitive in the world. 

For more than a decade, those in the know have watched Canada spend lots of money on projects that are ready for construction. Instead, a better use of that money would be to invest in projects that will provide a return on that spending by improving Canada’s supply chain competitiveness. 

The Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) helped initiate the Shovel Worthy report, but it has been endorsed by several associations and organizations concerned with the current investment, the lack of coordination and planning on a long-term strategy and the state of the federal trade corridors fund. 

Many stakeholders were involved in the preparation and release of the report and since then, they have been sharing why this report matters. A coalition of five national organizations – the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canada West Foundation and the WCR&HCA – are approaching the three orders of government to advocate for a nation-building strategy to invest in Canada’s trade corridors to enable and harness trade-based economic growth. 

We hope their advocacy will persuade the federal government to commit to a national plan for trade corridor infrastructure in budget year 2024, so that Canada can begin to reinvest in the assets that have shaped Canada as country and can make our country even better going forward.

When we invest in the infrastructure Saskatchewan produces to market more efficiently, our province becomes more competitive in the world 

– which means even more trade.

Restoring Canada’s global reliability reputation ranking is critical and will require leveraging a coordinated investment commitment of the municipal, provincial and federal government partnering with the private sector. Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada explained the significance of that during his speech at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Business Conference at the end of May. 

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce represents the Saskatchewan business community and is known as the Voice of Saskatchewan business. The theme of their 2023 conference was “Transportation and Infrastructure: Connecting Saskatchewan to the World.” 

The speakers at the event addressed how we can unlock Saskatchewan’s transportation and infrastructure potential to position our province as a global supplier. 

Hyder spoke about how Canada’s economy depends on reliable physical infrastructure to connect supply chains, enable people and goods to move freely, support millions of jobs, facilitate the energy transition and ensure that the economy continues to grow. I encourage you to read more about his presentation in this issue because he provides some encouragement to those in business to speak up about the challenges they face that are limiting Canada’s growth, which will have an impact on the quality of life future generations enjoy in this country.

Also speaking at this conference was Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill. Just last month, I applauded Cockrill for signing a memorandum of understanding with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces. 

That MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation between the three governments. First, improve efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks. Second, encourage the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions. Third, keep their economies competitive and grow capital investment. And fourth, harmonize regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers. He discussed this MOU during his presentation, which also covered what was contained in the latest budget to develop that transportation infrastructure and how earlier commitments have been fulfilled. 

Our industry knows the economic growth that investing in infrastructure would encourage in this province and the benefits that has for us living here. When we invest in the infrastructure Saskatchewan produces to market more efficiently, our province becomes more competitive in the world – which means even more trade. That grows our economy, so even more revenues can be generated to support areas such as healthcare, education and social programming to make Saskatchewan an even better place to live. 

Knowing that the voice of Saskatchewan business (also known as the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce) values this province’s infrastructure enough to dedicate an event to discussing its importance is highly encouraging. The ideas and information shared by Hyder and Cockrill at this event suggests to me that what our industry is advocating for is being taken seriously by other key players in the province and country. 

Construction of Project Underway
by SHCA SHCA

$26 Million Paving Project Underway in Southeast Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan is ramping up repaving work this year with 230 kilometres (km) of improvements at key corridors around the province, including a segment of Highway 33. It is part of a plan to improve another 1,000 km of highway this season.

“Our government is in year four of the Growth Plan and we made some commitments to Saskatchewan people, including a pledge to improve 10,000 km in a decade,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our construction crews are working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network which will improve safety and enhance key transportation corridors.” 

The 38-kilometre repaving project between Fillmore and Stoughton will also include four intersection improvements on Highway 33. Construction began earlier this month and is expected to continue through most of the summer. 

“Maintaining and improving rural highway infrastructure is important for the people who work, live and visit our communities,” Fillmore Reeve Russell Leguee said. “The upgrades to Highway 33 will positively contribute to the safe and reliable movement of agricultural commodities to markets domestically and globally. Ensuring connectivity between communities and providing safe and reliable roads ensures a better quality of life for people living in rural areas.”

The general contractor is Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina.

Drivers can expect delays with multiple work zones in the area at times. Traffic will be guided by a pilot vehicle. Remember to slow to at least 60 km/hr through the work zone, be extra cautious and obey all signs.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel.

Transportation trucks in line passing on a highway on a bright blue day. Highway transit transportation with lorry trucks. Transportation And Trucking Industry.
by SHCA SHCA

$50 Million Passing Lanes Project Complete on Highway 16

Major safety improvements on Highway 16 have been completed. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate completion of the final set of passing lanes which have opened near Saltcoats. 

“The Yellowhead Highway is a major transportation corridor that is used to move people and goods across the province,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “With the expanding canola crushing facilities in the area, there are a lot of large trucks traveling through the area and we’re taking steps to move that traffic safely and efficiently. These passing lanes allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.”

The multi-year passing lanes project extends from Clavet, east of Saskatoon, to the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border, east of Yorkton. This highway safety project was a key investment in Saskatchewan’s $2 billion stimulus program during the global pandemic to help drive economic recovery. In all, 26 passing lanes and multiple intersection upgrades were constructed.

“As representatives of Saskatchewan truck transport, we are pleased to see investments in the highway network that assist the movement of trucks and most importantly ones designed to improve the safety for our professional drivers,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association president Susan Ewart said. “The passing lanes and intersection enhancements will be welcome by our members.”

Passing lanes are typically a minimum of two kilometres and allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.

SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

First-of-Its-Kind Industry Summit Coming Soon

Shantel Lipp

Summer has so many of us spending time outdoors. As we do, we can see other people all around us, which is a big change after years of living through a pandemic, isolating ourselves from one another. 

Everywhere we look, there are simply more people living – and enjoying life – in this province. And that is not just a perception. Statistics Canada recently stated that Saskatchewan’s population increased by 33,101 over the past year, which is a growth of almost three per cent. We now have 1,221,439 people living in our province. We know the provincial government’s Growth Plan from 2020 to 2030 is aiming for our population to grow to 1.4 million people, so we are on our way.

But growing the population of our province is not the only goal of the Saskatchewan government. The Growth Plan has numerous economic goals, and our industry has a role in ensuring a number of them are achieved. 

Saskatchewan is embracing its role of providing the world with the food, fertilizer and fuel it needs. We know that roads and highways connect our landlocked province to the world. The construction our industry undertakes helps other industries achieve the goals set by the province. For example, there was the earthwork necessary ahead of the development of canola crush facilities that will increase Saskatchewan-based processing of canola grown in this province. There is also our industry’s work to improve roads in northern Saskatchewan which supports doubling the size of Saskatchewan’s forestry sector. 

In my role, I am advocating for deeper and more widespread recognition of how our industry contributes to the growth of the province’s economy. That recognition is coming from leaders in other sectors, and I am working with them to broadly deliver their important perspectives on the value of investing in trade and transportation infrastructure to the people and politicians of this province.

While those other industries, such as agriculture and forestry, grow stronger, our industry is also advancing. SHCA is pleased to play a role in that advancement. While I work with leaders those in other sectors, I never lose sight of the relationships I have with members. SHCA is dedicated to representing, advocating and supporting its members and, in that spirit, I am very much looking forward to a first-of-its-kind event SHCA is developing for our industry.

You might have seen posts on social media recently about the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan. SHCA is excited to spearhead this event, which will bring together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to focus on infrastructure and transportation. There will be great industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and awesome networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29 and 30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina.

The complete agenda for this key event is still coming together, but I am looking forward to highlighting technological advancements within the industry through these education sessions. You will have opportunities to learn more about the production and processing of materials as well as troubleshooting asphalt plants and more sustainable ways of paving. You can expect to see virtual reality being used to attract young people to our sector and conduct safety training. 

The summit will offer personal and professional development opportunities. I’m excited to learn from Pamela Barnum, who will be one of our keynote speakers. She is a trust strategist and body language expert who developed her skills and insights during her years as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney. In her presentations, she teaches others how to detect deception and interpret nonverbals in their personal and professional lives. 

As with all our events, please visit saskheavy.ca and check under the Events section of the website, where we will add details about this event in the months to come, including how to register. Right now, if you are interested in participating, I would be happy to hear from you. One of the ways you might participate is by showcasing new technology that can benefit the heavy construction industry, but I am open to hearing about other types of contributions that can be made to this event. You can email me, and I’ll respond to you.

For now, soak in this summer and all this season has to offer because before you know it, November will be here. Until then, I look forward to developing a fantastic event to bring us together once again!

West Coast Port Strikes Puts Saskatchewan’s Landlocked Economy at Risk
by SHCA SHCA

West Coast Port Strikes Puts Saskatchewan’s Landlocked Economy at Risk

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is raising the alarm regarding the ongoing strike at the West Coast ports and highlighting the severe consequences it poses for the province of Saskatchewan. As a landlocked region, businesses in Saskatchewan already face significant disadvantages, and any disruption in trade through the West Coast ports could have immediate and long-term negative impacts on the provincial economy. In response, the Chamber has communicated its concerns to Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to prevent further harm to the Canadian economy, competitiveness and our reputation as a stable trading nation.
 
Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “The strike at the West Coast ports poses a significant threat to Saskatchewan’s economy. Our province heavily relies on trade through the Vancouver-Fraser Port, with billions of dollars’ worth of commodities passing through annually. The inability to access these ports will force us to resort to high-cost alternatives in the United States, causing losses for Canadian businesses and workers.”
 
Saskatchewan’s landlocked status puts it at a distinct disadvantage in international trade. The province’s economy thrives on exporting various commodities, including agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods. The West Coast ports, particularly the Vancouver-Fraser Port, serve as vital gateways for these exports, facilitating billions of dollars in trade each year. The Vancouver-Fraser Port alone handles $17 billion worth of Saskatchewan commodities each year, and a total of $65 billion in western Canada’s trade goes through the port of Vancouver.
 
The strike has far-reaching implications beyond Saskatchewan’s borders. With more than 7,000 workers currently on strike, the West Coast ports handle an astonishing $800 million worth of goods per day. This disruption poses a significant threat to Canada’s overall economy, impacting businesses and consumers across the nation. Moreover, the strike jeopardizes Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading nation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for international partnerships and investment.
 
The situation is further compounded by the lack of alternative Canadian ports with the capacity to absorb diverted products. The existing trade infrastructure is operating at maximum capacity, leaving Canadian businesses with no choice but to turn to high-cost port options in the United States. This alternative not only imposes significant financial burdens on businesses but also undermines the benefits that come from handling and shipping products domestically.
 
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce urgently urges Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra to take swift and decisive action to resolve the collective bargaining agreement between the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada. Their intervention is critical in ensuring the prompt resumption of operations at the West Coast ports, safeguarding Saskatchewan’s economic stability and preserving Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

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Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway article
by SHCA SHCA

Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway

A $22.7 million highway construction project is underway near Kenaston. The two-year major highway improvement project will include construction of a subgrade, widening and resurfacing on Highway 15.

“The Ministry of Highways is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving key transportation corridors through continued investments,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Highway 15, a high clearance corridor, offers shippers and commercial carriers an ideal opportunity to transport over-dimension loads.”

The Highway 15 corridor allows goods to be trucked without the need to raise or temporarily cut utility lines and other structures.

The Highway 15 construction project is 22 kilometres, which runs from 15 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 kilometres west of the junction with Highway 2. The project will include culvert replacements and road widening work this year, which is expected to be complete this fall. Paving work will begin during the 2024 construction season. 

“This is a major project that will take time to complete,” Cockrill said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who slow down for safety as we work to enhance our transportation system.”

Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the general contractor.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline, which provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities. Information is also available by calling 511.

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways this year. This keeps the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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Pavement Sealing is ins Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways
by SHCA SHCA

Pavement Sealing is in Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways

The Ministry of Highways announced that pavement sealing work is underway for the 2023 construction season.

“Approximately $776 million is being invested this year into Saskatchewan highways to improve safety, enhance key transportation corridors and support the various industries,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We are dedicating a significant investment of $25 million toward seal coating to strengthen and enhance the resilience of our transportation network.”

In addition, the ministry’s operations and maintenance division plans to complete about $17 million of spot, partial and full seal work this year.

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of Saskatchewan’s provincial highways is to apply a seal coat. Hot liquid asphalt is poured onto the surface before crushed gravel is spread over the asphalt and packed down. It creates a waterproof layer that seals cracks and protects the surface. 

Seal coating provides a waterproof, non-skid surface, reduces deterioration and cracking and prolongs pavement life. It is a cost-effective treatment that can extend the life of a highway by up to 10 years.

Seal coats require approximately 24 hours to fully cure, which is why speeds are reduced. The speed reductions help the seal coat cure effectively and saves windshields from damage. There are several reasons work zones require temporary speed reductions when workers are not present. This includes loose gravel, a sharp pavement drop-off or lane closure. 

Drivers are reminded to obey all road signs and slow down to avoid the risk of damage to their vehicles. Plan ahead by checking the Highway Hotline for construction zones. So, you can get to what you love. 

The ministry will improve more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways, putting us on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways since 2008, improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Construction Zones Bolster Province’s Economy

Shantel Lipp

This is the time of year when the public sees our members’ commitment to working with the government in action. 

There are construction zones across the province right now in support of the Saskatchewan government’s goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways in the province by 2030. More than 300 kilometres of highway are being seal coated to extend their life, including Highway 1 east of Moose Jaw. Other highways are being resurfaced and repaved, including Highway 55 east of Prince Albert.

Passing lanes are being completed, such as those on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2. Bridges are being repaired or rebuilt, including the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading into southern Regina. Airports are seeing improvements, such as the runway being extended at Sandy Bay. More than 100 culverts are being replaced. 

You are hard at work during these summer months to complete projects that make it possible for families to get from home to work and school. Farmers can move their machinery to get to fields so they can later move their crops to terminals. Businesses can move their products to buyers and receive supplies to manufacture more products. Industries are growing because of this ability to move around the province and beyond it, connecting Saskatchewan and all it has to offer to the world. Traffic can flow – safely and more efficiently – because of your work. 

We want to see a more consistent flow of investment from our provincial government. As you know, I have been working with the government, so its representatives understand the needs of our industry. But my work with the government goes further than that. Our province needs the government to recognize the value of consistent investment that reflects a long-term view of the infrastructure needed by industries in this province to keep our economy strong. 

Consistent investment in Saskatchewan’s trade infrastructure is a message to the world. It says that this province is prepared to continue being a strong exporter of the goods and resources that countries around the world require. It tells people interested in living and working in this province that the government is dedicated to ensuring opportunities continue here so making the move is in their best interest, now and into the future. It says to voters that this government invests purposefully and strategically so that investment delivers a return.

Adopting longer-term investment commitments to grow the economy is about more than having a goal for how many kilometres of highway the province will address. The Ministry of Highways needs to start with looking at how it tenders projects, such as those our members are working on right now in the province. 

Consistent investment is also about looking to the east and west of our province at what those governments are doing. It means allowing for carryovers, which is something the Manitoba government does. Allowing contractors to carry over a portion of the Ministry of Highway’s budget would mean some certainty of work in the next construction season. 

Even better than that are the investment commitments of five years. That is what will allow our industry to become even more efficient and productive because our members will be able to see what opportunities are available, and the level of investment being projected so decisions can be made about priorities and plans. Businesses in our industry can decide on their own investments in equipment and labour. 

Our members contribute to this province by being able to support goals set out in a memorandum of understanding Saskatchewan signed with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces.

This MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation:

  • Improving efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks
  • Encouraging the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions
  • Keeping their economies competitive and growing capital investment
  • Harmonizing regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers

So, while the public sees work zones busy with the activity of employees and equipment, we want those drivers and passengers to also recognize what projects – undertaken by our members – mean for the future prosperity of our province. It is in their interest that this work is done. We want them to identify the role of government in those projects – as the primary customer of our industry – and hold those politicians accountable for wisely investing tax dollars in trade infrastructure.

by SHCA SHCA

The First Annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic

To celebrate 75 years in business, Redhead Equipment raised more than $166,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan

By Craig Slobodian, Redhead Equipment

In conjunction with Redhead Equipment’s 75th business anniversary, the company held its first annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic on Monday, June 12, at Wascana Country Club.

Through our 11 locations, we do business in every community in the province and beyond. When choosing a charity to partner with, we look to find one that can benefit every one of those same communities.

This year, we chose to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan; their CEO, Tammy Forrester, shared plans to build new houses in Regina and Prince Albert.  

The golf tournament brought together individuals and organizations from all walks of life, united in our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Our marketing department put together a first-class experience for the 136 golfers who attended. Our staff and volunteers also did a great job, making everyone feel welcome and kept everything running smoothly.

Our suppliers stepped up and supported the tournament with both donations and attendance. Many customers also attended the tournament. The support from suppliers and customers was incredible and we thank them for their support.

Wascana Country Club made the event special with great service, great food and a meticulously maintained course. This provided a remarkable experience that will be treasure by all who participated.

Through the day, we were able to raise $78,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Through the generosity of the Redhead and Wallace families, Redhead Equipment matched those funds for a total donation of $156,000!

One of our customers was inspired by the day’s events and donated $5,000 the following day. Redhead Equipment matched this donation as well, so the new total is $166,000!   

It was a great way to celebrate 75 years in business and we are grateful to everyone involved. We are very proud of 75 years in business.

Thank you to our customers, suppliers and staff for 75 years in business! Our success depends on you and because of you, Redhead Equipment is able to give back to the communities that support us.